When sourcing black pepper from India, you'll encounter various grades. The most sought-after for quality exports is MG-1, which stands for 'Malabar Garbled - Grade 1'. This designation is a promise of quality, appearance, and potency.
What Does 'Malabar Garbled' Mean?
Malabar: This refers to the origin—the Malabar Coast in Kerala, a region historically famous for producing the world's finest pepper. Garbled: This means the pepper has been cleaned and sorted to remove dust, chaff, and defective berries. It's a uniform product.
The MG-1 Standard
- Density: MG-1 grade specifies a minimum bulk density of 550 grams per litre. This indicates well-developed, heavy berries with a higher oil content.
- Appearance: The peppercorns are nearly black, uniform in size (around 4.25mm), and have a wrinkled appearance. They are free from mold or foreign matter.
- Piperine Content: While not a grading metric, MG-1 grade from the Malabar region consistently has a high piperine content (the compound responsible for pungency), often exceeding 4-5%.
- Moisture: The moisture content is strictly controlled to be below 12% to ensure shelf stability and prevent fungal growth during transit.
As a certified spice exporter, VB Exports provides MG-1 grade Malabar black pepper that meets all these criteria, ensuring our international partners receive a product that is potent, pure, and perfect for their needs.
